Utility Outage Response:

Only turn off the gas if instructed to do so by the gas company. Remember that only a professional should turn the gas back on.

Use battery-operated light source, such as a flashlights or light sticks. Due to the extreme risk of fire, DO NOT use candles during a power outage.

Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbeques or propane heaters for indoor heating. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Can also increase the risk of fire.

Limit the number of times you open the refrigerator and freezer to help keep foods cold for longer periods of time.

Turn off as many lights and other electrical items as possible (except for the refrigerator and freezer); this will help to eliminate potential fire hazards and lessen the power draw hen service is restored.

Unplug computers and other sensitive equipment to protect them from power surges when service is restored.

Listen to your portable weather radio, radio, or TV for current information.

If driving, proceed with caution and be alert to traffic lights that are not working. If a traffic light is out, remember to treat it as an all-way stop.

Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.